ended up not being made, although Pine Thomas made two other films for UA.) In White's novel, the arsonist Zimmer is named "Kosta," and lookout man Harry is named "Wally." The setting of the novel is the fictional town of "Indio Beach," described as between Palm Beach and Jacksonville on Florida's west coast; whereas the film adaptation places the action in the fictitious California coastal town of "San Felipe," portrayed onscreen as neighboring Oceanside and Camp Pendleton. The script submitted was originally rejected by the Production Code because it depicted simple arson. This was changed to dynamite. The top-billed stars were Rory Calhoun, Mary Costa and James Gregory. It was the feature film debut for Costa, who was hostess of the TV show Climax!. Director Robert Stevens was hired from TV. John Payne was originally announced for the male lead. It was to be the last of a five-picture contract he had with Pine Thomas. Martin Berkeley ended up doing the script. Vic Morrow signed to play the second male lead and filming began in September 1956. A The Hollywood Reporter news item of September 6, 1956 reported that Corey Allen replaced the injured Vic Morrow in the role of "Roy." Some sources list the character played by Roscoe Ates as "Keeler," in the film he is actually called "Falkenburg," with no character name stated in the credits. According to a Hollywood Reporter news item, The Big Caper marked the first time that Ates, who had appeared in dozens of films, did not use his signature onscreen stammer. The luxury hotel where Kay meets Flood, Roy, Harry and Doll is actually the Hollywood Riviera condominium complex at 1400 North Hayworth Avenue in West Hollywood, built in 1954 and designed by prolific mid-century architect Edward H. Fickett. References External links The Big Caper at TCMDB The Big Caper at Letterbox DVD Review of film at Variety 1957 films Film noir 1957 crime films American crime films American heist films Films directed by Robert Stevens Films scored by Albert Glasser Films set in California Films based on American novels United Artists films 1957 directorial debut films 1950s English-language films 1950s American films